Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Charles Olson?s "Psyche" intricately intertwines myth, symbolism, and allegory to explore the transformation of the soul, represented by Psyche, and the nature of human will and its relationship to life?s obstacles. The poem draws on classical mythology while layering its reflections with Olson?s characteristic depth and complexity, ultimately examining themes of identity, metamorphosis, and the journey of self-realization.

The poem begins with a striking notion: "that each object knew the way for Psyche." This immediately positions Psyche as a figure guided not only by her own actions but also by the world around her. Olson suggests a cosmic interconnectedness, where objects—perhaps symbols of external forces, experiences, or challenges—become intrinsic to the journey of Psyche. These objects seem almost conscious, aligning with the path Psyche must take, as though her journey is as much external as it is internal. The phrase "as if it were a part of way itself" emphasizes that Psyche’s journey is predestined or naturally harmonious with the universe?s rhythms. Her identity becomes inseparable from the journey, her "self a tower into sky and Tartarus," a vivid image symbolizing her dual nature: her ascent toward the divine and descent into the underworld.

Olson invokes the myth of Psyche, who, in Greek mythology, endures trials to reunite with her lover Eros and attain divine status. However, Olson deliberately refrains from recounting her known story, focusing instead on what she was before this transformation, before she became "this winged creature." He speculates she "must have lain as though in the wet earth," evoking imagery of a dormant or embryonic state. Psyche, before her trials, is likened to a "place of cave," a locus of mystery, potential, and primal existence. This earthy, almost womb-like imagery suggests that Psyche?s transformation begins from a place of stillness, darkness, and unformed identity. Olson seems to argue that growth and awakening emerge from these initial, hidden depths.

The poem then broadens its exploration of the soul, connecting Psyche to Animus and Soul, drawing from psychological and philosophical traditions. "Animus," often associated with masculine energy or willpower in Jungian psychology, is here linked to the notion of a "man?s life to be a continual Allegory." Olson underscores the allegorical nature of existence, where every action, event, and relationship carries a symbolic weight, a metaphor for deeper truths. Life itself becomes a narrative shaped by one?s will, yet this will is not free of destructive potential. The metaphor of "crushing like a herd of frightened elephant anything under foot" illustrates the sheer, often chaotic, force of will. The imagery of trampling conveys both the power and recklessness of human will, its ability to destroy as it progresses.

Olson?s insertion of the Elephant as both a symbol and a literal presence offers an evocative meditation on will and guidance. The poet recounts his experience "passing as I did on the back of the Elephant," merging the personal with the allegorical. The Elephant represents a monumental force, both a guide and a vehicle, as it moves "through everything," an unstoppable entity. Olson marvels at its ability to navigate obstacles, likening this capacity to "anagogic visions," a term that evokes spiritual enlightenment and ascension. The Elephant becomes a paradoxical symbol: an embodiment of immense, deliberate strength and an otherworldly, almost divine, ability to transcend the mundane. Olson, as the rider, acknowledges his slimness, his fragility compared to the Elephant?s might. This contrast highlights the tension between human vulnerability and the grandeur of the forces that propel us through life.

The poem concludes on a meditative note, balancing Olson?s reflections on Psyche?s transformation and his own allegorical journey. Psyche?s evolution—from an unknown, earthy state to a "winged creature"—mirrors the progression of human existence as a search for meaning and transcendence. Olson’s emphasis on will as a driving force in life, capable of "passing through any obstacle," underscores its essential role in overcoming the trials and challenges symbolized by Psyche?s journey. However, Olson?s tone suggests an ambivalence toward this force, recognizing both its necessity and its potential for destruction.

Structurally, the poem is fragmented, mirroring the complexity of its themes and the multiplicity of perspectives Olson introduces. The juxtaposition of mythological, psychological, and personal elements creates a layered narrative that resists easy interpretation. The language shifts between abstract concepts and vivid imagery, reflecting the interplay of thought and sensation that characterizes Olson?s poetic style. Psyche becomes a nexus through which Olson examines the dynamics of transformation, the nature of will, and the allegorical essence of existence.

"Psyche" ultimately offers a meditation on the human condition, exploring how identity, will, and the journey of self-discovery shape our lives. Olson?s invocation of Psyche as both a mythological and symbolic figure invites readers to reflect on their own transformations, their own journeys through darkness and light. The poem’s imagery of caves, Elephants, and an ascendant Psyche resonates as a call to embrace the trials and mysteries of existence, to recognize the allegorical power of every step we take.

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